Loop length regulating mechanism for straight knitting machines



Oct. 10, 1939.

G. GASTRICH LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed 7 Sheets-Sheet l BY ATTORNEY:

Oct. 10, 1939. GASTRICH 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISWFOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FLE- -E- a mmgogfi Gas 060w rw BY v A TTORNEYI Oct. 10, 1939. s cH 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 1937 7 SheetsSheet I5 ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. sT 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 19:57 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 555%. fifim EMS INVENTOR: 911.52 2 Gasfiich,

ATTORNEY! Oct. 10, 1939. G, GASTRICH 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 19:57 'rsheets-sneet 5 A TTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. G. GASTRICH 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 F1. [2- -iU- 1 Gus IN V EN To? Oct. 10, 1939. G GA$TR|H 2,175,989

LOOP LENGTH REGULA TING MECHANISM FOX STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 12, 1957 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 I, HMQ M4 2 .90 192 r BY?? /Q g A TTORNEX Patented Oct. 10, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE LOOP LENGTH .REGULATING MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHT KNITTING MACHINES Application August 12, 1937, Serial No. 158,645

21 Claims.

This invention relates to knitting machines and particularly to the loop regulating mechanism of straight or full fashioned knitting machines.

Full fashioned stockings are generally shaped I to conform to the contour of an average leg corresponding with 'a respective foot size. However, because of the variation in the size and contour of legs having the same foot size, it has been impossible to provide a perfect lit in every instance. For example, on an ankle of less than normal size, small pockets, due to slack in the fabric are apt to form.

One object of this invention is to provide means capable of overcoming this difliculty by producing slack take-up areas of short loops in areas of normal length loops.

Another object of this invention is to provide means including standard adjustable normal loop regulating mechanism, and pattern controlled auxiliary mechanism capable of efl'ecting a change in the usual functioning of the standard loop regulating mechanism, so that it will perform the additional function of producing shorter than normal loops, without disturbing the adjustment of the standard loop regulating mechanism. One form of my invention embodies mechanism of such construction that it can be maintained at all times in fixed position, and rendered ineffective or effective by moving the normal loop regulating mechanism into and out of operating position.

Another object of this invention is to provide mechanism ofthe type referred to that will adjustably control the length of loops and maintain the same difference between the length of loops of certain length and loops of length shorter than said certain length loops regardless of adjustment.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide mechanism of the type referred to having means for governing the coursewise extent of the short loops in a knitted fabric, thereby governing 'the length of loops within a predetermined zone.

Another object of this invention is' to provide means of the type referred to having independently operated pattern controlled mechanism for regulating the operation of the mechanism which governs the extent of the short loops.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrative embodimentsof the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, my invention resides in the novel elements of i 55 construction, devices and combination of parts Fig. 3 is a view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showing a general plan view of the parts embodying the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line |4 of Fig. 3, and showing some of the parts embodying the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Fig. 3, showing the adjusting unit;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of Fig. 5, and showing a portion of the racking mechanism for actuating the adjusting unit shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 isa sectional view taken substantially along line of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of Fig. 3, showing a. modified loop-regulating cam for effecting the production of shortened loops;

' Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of Fig. 1, illustrating the control rotor;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line Ill-i0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along line li--|l of Fig. 1, showing the construction of the radially movable elements of Fig. -9;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along line l2-l2 of Fig. 3, showing the circumferentially shiftable cam elements for controlling the radial movement of the segmental shoe elements shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is 'a sectional view taken substantially along line l3l3 of Fig. 4, showing the construction of the universal connection between various operating rods used in this invention;

Fig. 14 is a sectional'view taken substantially along the line H-il of Fig. 4;

Fig. 15 is a view of a stocking leg blank, with certain areas produced by the mechanism of the invention being indicated by the triangles shown in dot-and-dash outline; and

Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail view of the loop formation included within the square M indicated in dot-and-dash outline in Fig. 15.

In the drawings and description, only those parts necessary to a complete understanding of the invention have been set forth; further information as to the construction and operation of other elements not herein specifically pointed out, but which are usual and well known. being available in the pamphlet entitled Full Fashioned Knitting Machines, copyright 1920, and in the "Reading Full Fashioned Knitting Machine Catalogues, copyright 1929 and 1935, published by the Textile Machine Works, Reading, Pennsylvania, and in a pamphlet entitled Knitting Machine Lectures", published in 1935 by the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.

A portion of a full fashioned knitting machine is disclosed in the drawings which includes front beam l0, back beam ll, center bed If, and front bed l3, all ofwhich are supported by frames it regularly spaced throughout the length of the knitting machine. The main cam shaft l6, presser shaft H, the regulating shaft 28, and needle bar shaft it, are all located in their conventional places in the machine frame. This frame work of the knitting machine supports the usual slur bar for actuating the Jacks which in turn control part of the movement of the sinkers; the dividers, with their actuating mechanism; the needle bar, with its actuating mechanism; the usual narrowing mechanism. and all other conventional elements of a knitting machine. These elements form no part of the specific invention and are therefore merely referred to in a general manner.

This invention is applicable to existing knitting machines employing the usual normal loop regulating mechanism and usual needle bar actuating mechanism which normally include a regulating shaft, a presser lever and a needle bar fork, conventionally controlled by standard loop regulating mechanism, the usual function of which is to maintain the needle bar fork in a position to space the needles at a determined distance from the sinker head assembly during that portion of the cycle of operation of the knitting machine within which the yarn is fed to the knitting needles and the sinkers and dividers function to form the loops. This portion of the cycle of operation of the knitting machine will be hereinafter referred to as the loop-lengthforming operation of the knitting machine.

Auxiliary mechanism is often utilized to variably position the knitting needles relative to the sinker head assembly while maintaining the usual loop regulating mechanism in adjusted position. These prior known auxiliary devices can only increase the size of the loops over and above the length produced by the usual loop regulating mechanism, and it is a purpose of this invention to construct apparatus that will automatiinvention does not relate to the vertical movement of the knitting needles, the actuating mechanism for imparting this movement to the needles throughtheneedlebarliftingarmli hasnotbeen shown. The horizontal motion during the interlooping operation of the knitting machine is imparted to the needles by mechanism actuated from the main cam shaft it through a cam follower l3 and asystem of levers including a presser lever I secured to the presser shaft II, a rocker arm 40 releasably connected to the presser lever 38, and a needle bar fork i8 pivoted to the rocker arm 4| at its one extremity and rigidly attached to the needle bar at its forked extremity. The horizontal adjustment of the needles relative to the sinker head assembly l5 during the loop-length-forming operation of the knitting machine is effected through the same system of levers, but in this case they are actuated by mechanism operating between the main cam shaft II and the regulating shaft 26. The effect of this mechanism is transmitted to the system of levers by a crank 45 which is risidly mounted on the shaft 26 and which is provided with an abutting pin 0 in line and adapted to cooperate with the lower extremity of the presser lever 38.

Positioning of the needles relative to the sinker head assembly during the loop-length-forming operation of the knitting machine may be cccasioned by the above recited mechanism under control'of the regulating shaft 26 which causes the crank 45 to position the presser lever accordingly. One form of mechanism for eflecting this positioning of the regulating shaft 26 is represented generally by the numeral 20. The preferred form of mechanism selected for carrying out this portion of the inventive thought embodies customary loop regulating mechanism and auxiliary loop regulating mechanism constructed and arranged in such manner that simultaneously with the former being shifted out of operating position, the latter automatically becomes effective. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a customary loop regulating cam 25 and an auxiliary loop regulating cam 2| are mounted for rotation with the main cam shaft I6; the contour of the former is of constant radius through- ,out the effective portion of its periphery, while the latter is provided with concentric surfaces of less radius than the surface of constant radius of the customary regulating cam which are distributed about the periphery of the latter for the purpose of producing shortened loops in a predetermined area or areas corresponding to the number and disposition of the surfaces of lesser radius.

The cams 25 and 2i function only during a portion of their rotative cycle to control the position of the presser levers 38 by means of the regulating shaft 26, other means such as the conventional presser cams control the position of these levers and consequently of the needles during the remainder of the knitting cycle. In the specific embodiment disclosed, loop length control surfaces are disposed over substantially the entire loop-length control portion of cam 2i and consist of zones A-B and 0-D which will effect the positioning of regulating shaft 28 to produce shortened loops, and a zone 3-0 that will position the regulating shaft to effect the production of normal length loops.

. A composite unitary structure is mounted on the regulating shaft 26 for supporting cam followers and 22 in such manner that their oooperation with the cams 23 and 2| is transmitted through the regulating shaft 23 to the crank" for positioning the presser lever 32 and hence positioning "the knitting needles relative to the sinker head assembly I. This unitary structure "comprises a forkedlever 33 oscillatably mounted on the regulating shaft 23 and supporting a shaft 23 upon which the cam follower 24 is mounted for rotation and axial shifting. The cam follower 22 is likewise mounted on shaft 23 for rotation but it is axially fixed in alignment with the auxiliary loop regulating cam 2|. This construction is possible because the portion of the peripheral surface of cam 2| that effects the positioning of the needles for the production of shortened loops is of less radius than the portion of cam 25 which effects the positioning of the needles relative to the sinker head for the production of normal size loops. It becomes obvious therefore that the shifting of the cam follower 24 into alignment with its cam, renders the follower 22 ineffective but pennits it to remain in operable position i. e. in alignment with its cam 2|, and it is only necessary to shift cam follower 24 out of operating position, i. e. out of alignment with cam 25 to render the operation of cam 2| and follower 22 effective.

In the present embodiment of the invention the operation of either cam 25 or cam 2| with their corresponding followers is transmitted to the reg-,

ulating shaft 26 through the medium of a lever 3| fixed "to regulating shaft 23 and supporting an adjusting means for initially setting the regulating shaft for the production of loops of certain length. The end of lever 3| is displaced from the vertical into alignment with an abutting surface on the forked lever 30, and is in the form of a boss, bored to receive an internally threaded bushing 32 which is held therein by set screw means. An adjusting screw 33 provided with external threads mating with the internal threads of bushing 32 is threaded therein and is provided with internal threads of a much finer pitch than that of the external threads thereof. The screw 33 is provided with a relatively long plain cylindrical surface adapted to receive a combined adjusting handle and detent supporting element 36 which is fixed to the extended portion of screw 33. A knurled headed screw 35 provided with threads mating the fine pitched internal threads of screw 33 is threaded therethrough and the abutting end thereof coacts with the abutting surface of forked lever 33; said coaction being established by means of a spring member 21 having opposite ends thereof respectively secured to a hook-portion of the lever 3| and to a bracket 28 which is fastened to the back beam H, as better seen in Fig. 4. A spring pressed detent 34 is positioned in the handle 36, as shown in Fig. 8, in such manner that the detent cooperates with the knurled head of screw 35 for maintaining the same in adjusted position. The semi-circular internally toothed ring 33 is mounted in cooperative relation with the adjusting mechanism, and in this instance is fixed at its bottom portion to a boss4| extending from lever 3|. The extremities of the semi-circular ring are connected to a semi-circular dial element 23 of less radius than the ring, which in turn is screw fastened to the lever 3| as clearly shown in Fig. 8. Another spring pressed detent 42 which is carried bythe handle 36 cooperates with the internal teeth of ring 39 for maintaining the handle. in adjusted position.

,Provision is made for shifting the cam follower 24 out of, and into alignment with cam 23 in accordance with a predetermined pattern. and in the present instance illustrative mechanism is shown which includes the addition of grooved connector to the follower 24 which cooperates with a pin at one end oi a shift lever 31, pivotally mounted on the forked lever ll, see Figs. 1, 3 and .7. The end of lever 31 remote from follower 24 is connected to a-rod 13 which is actuated from a main pattern chain 33 in a manner to be hereinafter more fully explained.

From the foregoing discussion it is apparent that normal loop length, for a given setting of the adjusting means cooperating with lever 34, can be effected while the cam follower 24 is in position to cooperate with cam 23. Upon the shifting of the follower 24 out of operating position it is apparent that cam 2| and its cooperating follower 22 will position the needles relative to the sinker head to produce loops the length of which will be governed throughout the effective portion of cam 2| in accordance with the contour of the peripheral portion A to D. The mechanism illustrated will effect the production of two spaced zones of constant width consisting of shortened loops equal in number to that which can be formed while the cam 2| is rotating with the portions A-B and 0-D in engagement with follower 22. Intermediate these two zones, normal length loops will be produced while the portion BC engages follower 22. This will occur in every course of loops knitted while the looplength-forming mechanism is operating under the influence of cam 2| and follower 22, thus selectively producing constant width areas of any desired length throughout the knitting of the article. It is to be understood, however, that these surfaces which effect the production of shorter than normal loops may be distributed about the periphery of cam 2| in any manner, and this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific embodiment shown. Further, it becomes apparent that varied adjustments including micrometric positioning of the regulating shaft 26 can be effected for initially positioning the knitting needles relative to the sinker head assembly to govern the length of normal loops. It is also apparent that this form of adjusting means which cooperates with the forked lever 33 will maintain a constant relative loop length between the actuation of the normal loop cam 23 and its follower 24, and the actuation of the modified loop cam 2| and its follower 22, because any adjustment will equally affect each set of cams and followers, since both followers are supported bylever 33.

While constant width areas may be desirable in some instances, it is manifest that for practicability, the mechanism should be capable of producing various shaped areas of tight loops within areas of normal length loops in order to meet the requirements of the hosiery manufacturer. Thus in the case where pockets are formed in the ankle portions of stockings it may be desirable to form triangular areas of tight loops, as for instance are illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16.

For rendering the described mechanism versatile, pattern controlled mechanism, capable of influencing the operation of the auxiliary loop regulating mechanism is provided for varying the marginal border of the area or areas of tight or shortened loops. One form of apparatus that will conveniently permit pattern controlled variation of the marginal borders of the areas of short loops may operate in itself to govern the length of loops over a predetermined area or zone. and also determine the area in which shortened or tight loops are formed. This may be accomplished by a mechanism 66, see Figs. 1 and 8, that will hold the regulating shaft 26 in position to produce predetermined length loops during a definite angle of rotation of cam shaft l6,

' and then permit the same to be influenced by the auxiliary loop regulating mechanism in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

Referring to Figs. 1, 3, 4, 14, and 9 to 12, inclusive, the mechanism 68 may conveniently take the form of a rotor fixed to the cam shaft i6 and capable of moving the regulating shaft, through the cooperation of an adjustable roller 84 mounted at the end of a lever 82 fixed to the regulating shaft 26, and a plurality of radially movable segmental shoe elements 64 and 61 mounted on the rotor device and cooperating with segmental cams I8 and 12.

The shoe elements 64 and 61 are mounted for radial movement on a supporting disc 6| fixed to shaft I6 and cooperating with a spaced disc 62 held in such relation by a spacing element 63, which provides with the two discs 6| and 62, pockets for the reception of the radially movable shoes 64 and 61. The two discs 6| and 62 and spacing element 63 are integrally united by screws passing through the three elements. The shoes are mounted within these pockets for limited radial movement by a series of links 65 and 66. Referring specifically to Fig. 11, wherein a manner of mounting shoes 64 and 61 is disclosed, the same are provided with transverse openings extending therethrough, and the ends of each are longitudinally slotted to receive the ends of links 65 and 66. The links 65 and 66 have their outer ends pivoted to the shoes 64 and 61 by the pins '69. The inner ends of links 66 are pivoted to the discs 6| and 62 by pins 68 passing through the transverse openings of the shoes and seating in the respective discs, while the inner ends of links 65 are fitted into a slotted portion of spacing element 63 and are pivoted to the same by pins 68. The pins 68 are maintained in position by washers 68a, secured by screws in the outer surface of disc 6|, and having their peripheral edges engaging grooved ends of pins 68, see Fig. 9.

Provision is made to compensate for objectionable radial displacement of the shoes 64 and 61 by centrifugal force, and in this instance comprises studs 11 extending from each shoe, downwardly through slots 10 in spacing element 63 and joined together by extension spring 16. The shoe 64 is provided with a cam follower 14 mounted on pin 64a, and shoe element 61 is likewise provided with a similar cam follower 15 mounted on pin 61a.

Non-rotatable adjustable means is provided in the form of cams 12 and 13 arranged to cooperate with followers 15 and 14 respectively to position shoes 64 and 61 in such position that cooperation between these shoes and follower 84 of lever 82 positionsthe regulating shaft 26 for eifecting the production of predetermined length loops depending upon the design of cams 12, 13 and the adjustment of roller 84. The regulating shaft 26 will be influenced by the cam 2| and follower 22 .durlng the loop length forming portion of the operative cycle whenever the shoes 64 and 61 are not in operating position and when the follower 24 is out of alignment with its cam 25. One form of cam assembly capable of carrying out the desired function is specifically represented in Figs. 10 and 12, and includes the cam element 12 provided with hub portions which serve as a spacing element, a Journal support for the cam 18, and also as an extended bearing. This cam element 12 is loosely Journaled on the main cam shaft l6 and is collared in abutting relation with the disc 6|. Inasmuch as it is desirable to have individual cams for each of the shoe elements and 61, cams 12 and 18 are conveniently separated from each other so as to be operatlvely aligned with the rollers 16 and 14, respectively. In the present embodiment the cam 18 is iournaled on the one hub portion of the cam element 12 and is maintained in axial position by the same collar that maintains cam 12 in abutting position relative to disc 6|. The followers 16 and 14 are attached to the shoes 61 and 64 respectively by pins 61a and 64a which space them from the shoe elements to a point in alignment with their respective cams 12 and 18. A specific arrangement and proportioning of the cams 12, I3 and shoes 61, 64 have been disclosed in the drawings as illustrative of one embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that the peripheral contours of cams 12, 18 may be varied in any desired manner for producing any desired loop length,

or variation of loop length during their period of activity. Further, that the arcuate length of shoes 61, 64 are purposely disclosed as having a space between the trailing end to one and the leading end of the other. such arcuate extent as to overlap when it is desired to render them effective over the entire portion of cam 2| that controls the length of loops. Inasmuch as it is desirable that cam followers 84 and 24 be simultaneously shifted in opposite directions, an arrangement has been developed whereby this operation is controlled from the main pattern chain and requires but one button on the chain to simultaneously shift the one cam follower into operable position and the other cam follower out of operable position. A preferred form of mechanism provides a grooved connector on the shiftable follower 84 adapted to be engaged by a pin at one end of a shift lever 85 pivotally mounted on stud 89 extending from lever 82. Adjustable limiting means is provided in the form of a set screw 86 which is carried by the shift lever 85 in abuttable relation with element 88 on the lever 82. The lower end of shift lever 85 is connected to a connecting rod 19 paralleling connecting rod 18, but extending beyond the latters terminus and engaging the lower end of a lever 91 pivotally mounted on a pin 98 in juxtaposed relation with the main pattern chain 99. Conventional abutting means |8| is mounted on lever 91 for cooperation with conventional pattern chain buttons I for displacing lever 91 in one direction while conventional spring means which is not shown returns lever 91 to its initial position after the pattern chain button I88 passes beyond the abutting means II. The simultane- Ous shifting of the followers 84 and 24 in opposite directions coincident with the movement of lever 91 and rod 19 is effected by a lever 96, pivotally mounted on front beam l0, and provided with pins 96 engaging double collars 88 and 8| on rods 18 and 19 respectively. The pivot forlever 95 is located between the parallel rods 18 and 19, thus the shifting of rod 19 to the left causes a corresponding shift of rod 18 to the right.

. It is thus seen that predetermined length loops will be produced when the follower 84 is in contact with either shoe 61 or 64 and the latter are operatively associated with their respective cams 12 and 13. It is further seen that by selectively- These shoes may be of .30

adjusting the cams 12, I3 circumferentially of the shaft I6, a selective control will be accomplished which can render the whole .or any selected portion of the zones A-B, -D effective to position the shaft 26 for the production of varying numbers of shortened or modified loops.

The determined adjusting of the cams l2 and Il may be effected by an independently operable element the movement of which may be con-' trolled from a pattern device. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention a traveling nut I I8 is conveniently. mounted outside of the machine frame at the rear thereof and on substantially the same horizontal plane as the main cam shaft I6. Referring to Fig. 5, the nut H6, in the present instance, is mounted for longitudinal movement on a screw III adapted to be rotated in a forward and reverse manner by mechanism to be hereinafter described. Two brackets are spacedly fixed to the back beam II, and are provided with exteriorly extending arms H8 and I3 may be effected in various ways, and in the present instance includes. a system of levers and bell cranks. Cams I2 and I3 are pivotally attached by universal-connectors 93 and 94, to connecting rods '90 and 9| which extend transversely of the machine frame to a convenient point above the back beam II. A bell crank I04, Fig. 3, is pivotally attached to a bracket extending from back beam II, by a pivot pin I01. The connectdevice, see Figs. 3, and 14, having a mechanical advantage is employed and illustratively embodies a rocker device I03 including a support II3 mounted on the beam II and supporting a transverse pin upon opposite ends of which are mounted levers H2 and H4 of different length. The shorter lever H2 is connected by a universal connector IIO to the rod III, while the longer lever is connected to the reciprocable nut II6 by,

an intermediate rod I I5.

It is thus seen that a rotative force applied to the screw II! will effect the adjustment of cams I2 and-13 to thereby control the effectiveness of the. loop-length shortening mechanism previously described. V

Actuating mechanism for rotating the screw I I1 in a forward and reverse direction is conveniently mounted beyond the rear of the machine, thus facilitating its mounting on the machine without interfering with other mechanism, and in the embodiment shown includes cam actuated pawl and ratchet mechanism the operation of which is controlled from the main pattern chain.

The S ew II! is provided with a plain extended portion for supporting the ratchets and auxiliary mechanism for effecting itsrotation. Two 'reversely operated ratchet wheels I30 and "I are fixed to the extended shaft portion of screw III. A crank I52 is journaled on the shaft portion of screw Ill and located adjacent the ratchet wheel III. The crank I52 is provided with rearward and forward arms extending on either side of. screw III. The rearward arm supports'a pawl I33 in alignment with ratchet wheel I3I, while the forward arm is attached to a connecting rod I50 the other end of which is con nected to one end of a shaft I" by .a coupling I46. A crank I54 is likewise journaled on the extended shaft portion of screw II! and separated from the ratchet wheel I30 by a detent disc I29 to be hereinafter described. The crank I54 has but one arm at the end of which a pawl I32 is mounted in alignment with ratchet wheel I30.

The two pawls I32 and I33 are resiliently urged into active engagement with their respective ratchet wheels by conventional spring pressed detent means of the type-clearly shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6. A connecting rod I49 is connected to the arm of the crank I54 between the pawl support and the journal portion, for imparting oscillatory motion thereto. The other end of connecting rod I49 is attached to the shaft I41 by a coupling I48, and at the end of said shaft remote from rod I50.

It is thus seen that if a vertical reciprocating motion is imparted to the shaft I", a forward or reverse rotation can be imparted to the screw II! and hence translate the nut H6 in a determined direction depending upon whether pawl I32 or pawl I33 is in active engagement with its respective ratchet wheel. A vertical reciprocatory motion may be imparted to the shaft I41 by any pattern controlled mechanism, and in the particular embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a cam on the main cam shaft has been selected for this function, the effectiveness of which is controlled from the main pattern chain of the knitting machine. The motion of the cam is transmitted through a lever I4I. pivoted on an axle I43 in a bracket I45 rigidly attached to back beam II. The lever I4I supports a cam follower I42 in alignment with a cam I40 on the main cam shaft 16. Cam follower I42 is normally prevented from following the contour of cam I40 by a pattern chain actuated lever I55 pivoted on pin I56 which is supported in a bracket I64 rigidly attached to the front beam I0. The rearward extension of lever III is connected to the shaft I41, and is provided with a hook I60 for receiving one end of a tension spring I62 arranged to maintain the follower I42 in engagement with its cam I40 when the pattern chain actuated lever I55 is not in position to prevent the follower from following the contour of the same. The pattern chain actuated lever I55 is attached to one end of a connecting rod I51 the other end of which is connected to a lever I58 pivotally mounted on stub shaft 98, which lever has an extension aligned with the pattern chain 99. This lever I58 is urged in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 98 by conventional spring means that has not been disclosed. Buttons placed on the pattern chain in alignment with an abutment on the extension of lever I58 cause the lever to pivot about shaft 98 against the action of the spring means, hence providing a selective release for the lever I to enable the follower I42 to cooperate with cam we and consequently operate the spindle H1 and the nut 'I I6.

It is recognized that any pattern controlled actuation of the reciprocating nut II6 must include means, also controlled by a pattern mechanism, for selectively throwing the pawls I32 and I33 into and out of engagement with their respective ratchet wheels. One type of suitable mechanism for performing this function is dis-- closed in Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6, and utilizes an additional movement of lever I55 for actuating mechanism for throwing the selected pawls into and out of operating position. The addtional movement of lever I55 can be effected by employing an extra high button on the main pattern chain for cooperation with pivotal lever I58. The mechanism for lifting the pawls out of driving engagement with their respective ratchet wheel comprises, in the embodiment disclosed, pins I19 and I8I mounted on adjustable plates I11 and I16, and arranged to engage cam lips I and I82 on the respective pawls I32 and I33. These cam lips are so designed that theircooperation with their respective pins I19 and IBI, lifts the pawls to such a point that they miss the succeeding tooth of the ratchet wheel and perform an idle operation when the cranks I52 and I54 are oscillated by the action of the cam I40 and its foilower I42. The movement of the pawls, however, remains within the operative effect of the resilient means urging the same into operative engagement with the ratchet wheels, so that upon the withdrawal of either of pin I19 or pin IN, the respective pawl will be urged into active cooperation with its associated ratchet.

In order to always insure the simultaneous engagement of one pin and cam, .and the disengagement of the other, a common support is provided in the form of a lever III which is pivoted to a rod I12 mounted in a boss I13 of the fixed bracket I45. The adjustable plates I11 and I18 supporting pins I19 and I8I, are secured to this pivotal lever I" in position such that the pins cooperate with the cam lips I80 and I82 of the pawls I33 and I32 respectively. A lever I65 extending transversely of the machine frame is connected to the upper end of common support lever "I, and is horizontally oscillated about a pivot I66 by the combined action of the additional movement of pattern chain actuated lever I55 cooperating with abutment I61, and spring I83 extending from horizontally fixed lever I to horizontally oscillatable lever I65.

Means in the form of the notched disc I29 is fixed to the shaft extension of screw II1 for preventing the overrun of either of the ratchet wheels I30 and I3I during their operation. This disc I29 is located between ratchet wheel I30 and the hub for crank I54, and cooperates with a spring pressed plunger I26 provided with a pointed end I21 for engaging the notches I35 spaced about disc I29 a distance corresponding to the spacing of the ratchet teeth about the periphery The proper manipulation of the adjusting dc:

vice associated with arms 30 and 3| governs the normal loop length. The width or coursewise extent of the zone of shortened loops is initially determined by locating nut H6 along screw Ill by operating the declutchable crank I34. Pattern chain buttons are mounted, in alignment with lever 91, on those links of the chain as that ened loops is to remain constant or vary in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

During the normal operation of the knitting machine, or when it is functioning to produce loops of normallength, the follower 84 is held out of alignment with segmental shoe elements 64 and 61, while the follower 24 is aligned with and in active engagement with its cam 26 thereby rendering follower 22 inoperative relative to its cam 2i even though the latter follower is always aligned with its cam. This normal operation continues until a button'on pattern chain 99 moves lever 81 about its pivot thus actuating the two connecting rods 18 and 19 in opposite directions. This action shifts follower 24 out of alignment with its cam 25, thereby permitting follower 22 to follow the contour of its associated cam 2|, and also simultaneously shifts follower 84 into alignment with shoes 64 and 61 for controlling the coursewise width of the shortened loop zones.

The operation of the knitting machine will now be influenced during the loop-length-forming phase of its operation by the cooperation of the control unit 60, the cam 2| and follower 22. As the shoe 64 rotates about shaft I6 with its roller 14 in engagement with cam 13, and its arcuate surface in contact with roller 84, regulating shaft 26 is positioned to effect the production of loops the length of which will be determined by the design of cam 13, and the adjustment of roller 84. Immediately after roller 14 passes beyond the forward end of cam 13, lever 82 with follower 64 'forces shoe 64 inwardly under the action of spring urged lever 3|, whereupon the follower 22 is permitted to follow the relieved surface A-B for a period depending upon the circumferential position of cam 13.

The cam 2| in the present instance is provided with a surface 3-0 of such radius that the regulating shaft 26 will be positioned for effecting the production of normal length loops, and as the point B arrives .at the follower 22, the latter is forced outwardly to follow the contour BC. Continued rotation of the parts brings point C into engagement with follower 22 when the follower is again moved inwardly to follow the contour between C and D. Somewhere between the points C and D, depending upon the circumferential location of cam 12, roller 15 on shoe 61 will engage cam 12 at its forward portion whereupon the shoe 61 actuates the follower 84 thus moving lever 82 and shaft 26 to a position effecting the production of loops whose length is dependent upon the design of cam 12 and the adjustment of follower 84.

The cycle above outlined may be represented in a coursewise diagram consisting from left to right of loops governed by cam 13 and the adjustment of follower 84; loops governed by the contour of cam 2I between points A and D; another set of loops whose length is determined follower 84. I

During eachsuccessive loop-length-forming operation of the knitting machine, the above cycle will be repeated as long as successive links oi the pattern chain include buttons in alignment with lever 91, thus producing areas of .shortened loops within areas containing loops of normal length. These zones will be of regular contour unless a link of the chain includes beside the button in alignment with lever 91, another button in alignment with lever I58, in which event, depending upon the height of the last mentioned button, the racking mechanism will effect the rotation of screw ill to move nut iii a definite increment either to the right or left from its initial setting, affecting correspondingly the position of cams I2 and 13. In the present embodiment, the adjustment of cams 12 and I3 varies the extent of the distance between points A and B, and the distance between points C and D of cam 2| that will be effective for the production-of shortened loops, and this action of nut H6, therefore, varies the contour of the shortened loop zones. The variation in contour of the shortened loop zones in the present instance will only be present in the outer margins. The mechanism disclosed in the drawings is such as to always effect the outward displacement of follower 22 at point B of cam 2|, and inward displacement at point C, thus producing regular marginal inner edges in the areas of shortened loops.

The specific arrangement and design of parts shown which illustrate an application of this invention, are particularly adapted for the production of areas T, T of shortened loops I90 at the lower portion of the stocking blanks adjacent the heel tabs H, H, symmetrically located on each side of the longitudinal center line of the blank, and of substantially right triangular form, see Fig. 15. The stocking leg blank generally indicated at S, Fig. 15, in addition to the rein forced heel portions H, H, comprises a welt W, a main leg portion L, heel ravel areas R, R, and an instep ravel area I. The structure of the loops included within the area indicated by the dot-anddash outline M of Fig. 15, is illustrated on an enlarged scale in Fig. 16. It will be observed that the loops |90 of the area T, see Fig. 16, are of an appreciably tighter construction than the normal length loops I92 which form the remainder of the portion M, this difference in the length of the loops is effected by the mechanism and in the manner previously set forth. As illustrated the number of short loops I90 in the different horizontal courses, see Fig. 16, of the areas T, T, varies in accordance with the pattern followed during the operation of the aforesaid mechanism. Obviously the inclusion of an area of tight loops within a section composed of looser normal length loops, will have a fashioning effect on the associated fabric and consequently provide a stocking which will fit snugly about the ankle of the wearer without, however, detracting from the appearance of the stocking.

Of course, 'the improvements specifically shown and described, by which I obtain the above results, can be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention herein disclosed and hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A knitting machine including means for effecting the production of loops of certain length entirely across desired courses comprising means movable into and out of operating position, and auxiliary mechanism for effecting the production of loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops operating for portions only 'of selected courses comprising rotatable means fixed with respect to its axis of rotation and rendered active with the movement of said movable means out of operating position, and rendered inactive with the movement of said movable means into operating position.

I 2..A knitting machine including a cam shaft and a regulating shaft, means on said regulating shaft movable into and out of position to cooperate with means on said cam shaft for effecting the production of loops of certain length entirely across desired courses, and auxiliary mechanism for effecting the production of loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops operating for portions only of selected courses comprising rotatable means fixed with respect to its axis of rotation and rendered active with the movement of said movable means out of operating position, and rendered inactive with the movement of said movable means into operating position.

3. A knitting machine including a cam shaft and regulating shaft, means on said regulating shaft movable into and out of operating position with means onsaid cam shaft for eifecting the production of loops of certain length entirely across desired courses, and auxiliary mechanism including means on said regulating. shaft for effecting the production of loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops operating for portions only of selected courses comprising rotatable means fixed with respect to its axis of rotation and rendered active with the movement of said movable means out of operating position,

and rendered inactive with the movement of said movable means into operating position.

4. A knitting machine including cam means provided with a peripheral portion of constant radius. cooperating with a shiftable follower for eifecting the production of loops of certain length entirely across desired courses, and auxiliary mechanism including cam means provided with peripheral portions concentric to but of less radius than the peripheral portion of said first mentioned cam adapted to cooperate with a cam follower constantly maintained in alignment therewith and effective for a portion of a course only when the first cam follower is shifted out of alignment with its cam element, for effecting the production of loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops. 1

5. A knitting machine including a sinker head assembly and a needle bar supporting a plurality of knitting needles, adjustable means including an element movable into and out of operating position for spacing said needles relative to said sinker head to produce .loops of certain length entirely across desired courses during the loop-length-iorming operation of the knitting machine, and auxiliary means comprising a rotary cam flower fixed with respect to its axis of rotation for producing for a portion of a course only loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops cooperating with said first mentioned means and rendered effective when the movable element is moved out of operating position for positioning the needles relative to the sinker head while maintaining the adjustment of the adjustable means.

6. A straight knitting machine including means movable into and out of operating position for producing loops of certain length entirely across desired courses, and auxiliary means for produc ing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops operating for a portion of a course only when the first named means is out of operating position, and adjustable means for varying the length of the first mentionedloops and cooperating with the auxiliary means for maintaining a constant loop difference between said first and second means.

7. A straight knitting machine including unitary means for producing loops of certain length entirely across desired courses and loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops for a portion only of a course comprising variable positioning means, common supporting means for a fixed and a movable element each arranged to cooperate with the variable positioning means, and adjusting means cooperating with said common support so constructed and arranged to maintain a constant loop difference between said t mentioned loops and said loops of shorter length.

8. A straight knitting machine comprising a needle bar supporting a plurality of knitting needles, mechanism for positioning said needles for the production of loops of certain length including a rotatable element shiitable parallel to its axis of rotation into and out of operating position, and a rotatable element fixed relatively to its axis of rotation eflective when said shiftable element is moved out of operating position for varying the position of the needles by a fixed increment for efifecting the production of loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops operating for portions only of selected courses.

9. A straight knitting machine including looplength regulating means, auxiliary regulating mechanism for producing loops of length shorter than those produced by said loop-length regulating means efifective upon the first mentioned regulating means being rendered inefifective, and means cooperating with the auxiliary regulating mechanism and arranged to regulate the length of loops during part of its operative cycle and render said auxiliary regulating mechanism efiective during another part of its operative cycle.

10. A straight knitting machine including loop-length regulating means, auxiliary regulating mechanism for producing loops of length shorter than the loops produced by said looplength regulating means eflective upon the looplength regulating means being rendered ineffective, and means cooperating with the auxiliary loop regulating mechanism comprising rotatable elements cooperating with non-rotatable positioning elements for regulating the length of loops during part of its operating cycle and rendering said auxiliary loop-length mechanism efiective during another part of its operating cycle.

11. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating position, and auxiliary means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, and control mechanism for said auxiliary means movable into and out of operating position respectively with the moving of said first mentioned means out of and into operating position.

12. A straight knitting machine including composite means for eflecting the production of loops of certain length and loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops including rotatable means shiftable axially with respect to its axis of rotation and rotatable means fixed with respect to its axis of rotation, control mechanism for said composite means including rotatable means shiftable along its axis of rotation, and common means for simultaneously shifting both said shiftable means along said axes to place one'in operative position at the same time the other is displaced fromoperative position.

13. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating posi tion, auxiliary means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops when thefirst mentioned means is out of operating position, and control mechanism arranged to operate on said auxiliary-means during a limited part of its operating cycle when said movable means is out of operating position.

14.A knittin machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating position, auxiliary means cooperating with said first mentioned means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops and rendered efi'ective upon the moving oi the first mentioned means out of operating position, and control mechanism including rotatable elements radially movable with respect to their axis of rotation cooperating with said auxiliary means when said first mentioned means is out of operating position.

15. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating position, auxiliary means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, and control mechanism arranged to eiIect the production of loops corresponding to the setting of said first mentioned means during part of its operating cycle, and render said auxiliary means eifective during another part of its operating cycle.

16. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating position, auxiliary means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, and control mechanism for said auxiliary means including rotatable elements radially movable with respect to their axis of rotation cooperating with adjustable means for producing loops corresponding to the setting of said first mentioned means during part of its operating cycle and rendering said auxiliary means effective during another part of its operating cycle.

17. A knitting machine including a cam shaft, and a regulating shaft, means mounted on said regulating shaft and cooperating with means mounted on said cam shaft for producing loops of certain length and loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops, control mechanism mounted on said cam shaft including radially movable means rotating with said camshaft and cooperating with non-rotatable adjustable means and means on said regulating shaft, said control mechanism being constructed and arranged to produce said certain length loops during a part of its operating cycle, and be ineffective during another part of its operating cycle.

18. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out 01 operating position, auxiliary means for producing loops of lengthshorter than said first mentioned loops when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, control mechanism arranged to affect the operation of the auxiliary means when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, and independently operable mechanism for governing the control mechanism in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

19. A knitting machine including means for producing loops of certain length comprising means movable into and out of operating position, auxiliary means for producing loops of length shorter than said first mentioned loops when the first mentioned means is out of operating position, control mechanism arranged to eiTect the production of loops corresponding to the setting of said first mentioned means during part of its operating cycle, and render said auxiliary means effective during another part of its operating cycle; and independently operable mechanism for governing the extent of the operating cycle of said control mechanism within which said auxiliary means is rendered effective.

20. A straight knitting machine including loop regulating mechanism operating between a cam shaft and a regulating shaft of the knitting machine ior producing loops of certain length, auxiliary loop regulating mechanism cooperating with said first mentioned loop regulating mechanism and adapted to efiect the production of loops shorter than said first mentioned loops when said first mentioned loop regulating mechanismjs rendered ineflective, control mechanism I for said auxiliary loop regulating mechanism, and an independently adjustable element connected to said control mechanism and movable in accordance with a predetermined pattern for determinedly producing shortened loops in accordance with said predetermined pattern.

21. In a knitting machine the combination comprising, a regulating shaft, cam means associated with said regulating shaft for automatically eflecting the production of loops of certain length entirely across desired courses, and auxiliary means having a cam separate from said first means associated with said regulating shaft for effecting the production of a group of loops of length shorter than said loops of certain length in a portion only of a desired course.

- GUSTAV GAS'I'RICH. 

